GS3 OTA 4.3 KNOX Safe Root?

I have been looking for a Knox safe root for stupid people like me that didn't read before accepting the 4.3 OTA update... I found a thread about one that may work for S4's but didn't think the same stuff applies.

To date, is there any root yet for a stock 4.3 boost S3 that keeps the Knox flag intact at 0x0?

Forgot to mention in my first reply, but in case you weren't aware Boost and VM can share all the same info and methods as we are both under the Sprint "umbrella;" by deduction, then, Sprint stuff is in play for us as well. A handful of technical details will differ slightly, but in general, if it works on Boost it will work on VM and vice-versa.

I did try using the Kingo root last night, but every time it tried to run the Knox blocker came in to play. I'm still not clear on how to suppress/remove Knox. I'll check out the VM threads and see what's going on in there.

I did try using the Kingo root last night, but every time it tried to run the Knox blocker came in to play. I'm still not clear on how to suppress/remove Knox. I'll check out the VM threads and see what's going on in there.

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Follow the method posted by TheBritton using SuperSU 1.80, that version is designed to block Knox when attempting to root. Good luck!

Don't know what this Kingo method is, will have to look it up after work tonight (more knowledge, always!) In the meantime, I posted this on another thread on the VM side, essentially rooting, currently, really just involves installing custom recovery and then flashing SuperSU, even for the unfortunate souls with Knox!

Edit: This WILL trip the Knox counter; I did not read thoroughly in the OP so was not aware before posting this that the author was seeking not just a way to root, but a way to leave the Knox flag intact. This is a valid rooting method, but again, this WILL trip the Knox flag!

So, unfortunately, some info, particularly with regards to rooting, has become outdated on these forums. Try this:
1. Download either TWRP 2.6.3.0 .tar file or Philz Touch 6.0.0.8 .tar file to your computer; I am currently recommending Philz
2. Download latest SuperSU update .zip file (version 1.80 as of this writing, download version 1.75 while you are at it, will explain why later)
3. Download Samsung drivers to your computer so it will recognize your phone when you plug it in with USB; downloading Kies will install the drivers as well, and then Kies itself can be uninstalled afterward (I find it to be a pretty useless program in general, and 100% worthless if you are rooted)
4. Download Odin version 3.07 to your computer
5. Plug in phone with USB, and transfer SuperSU .zip file to the phone, internal or external memory doesn't matter, as long as you know where to look for it
6. Place phone into download mode (volume down, home key, power button all at same time, wait through the vibrate until message appears on screen), then open Odin v. 3.07, uncheck "auto reboot" and then click button labelled "PDA" and then browse to the file location for the recovery .tar file you downloaded (I just put them on the desktop for ease of locating); select that file and it will show up in the dialog box next to the PDA button
7. Press "Start" and about two minutes later Odin will give you a "Pass" message
8. Unplug USB, and then remove battery from your phone (holding down power button until phone shuts off generally does the same thing, but battery pull is recommended method); replace battery after about 5-10 seconds, then hold down, at the same time, Volume Up, home key, and Power button, keep holding until after the phone vibrates and blue script appears in top left corner saying "Recovery booting"
9. Navigate to location of .zip file containing SuperSU and flash that file
10. Reboot, and you should now be rooted. There are several Root Checker apps available in Play Store that can be run after reboot to confirm root status. Alternatively, open Titanium Backup and it will let you know if you are rooted or not

So the reason for wanting both SuperSU files is that sometimes you need to let Play Store update SuperSU for you in order to achieve root. If this is the case, flash the next to most recent version, and then Play Store will detect a need for an update and take care of it for you.

Flashing a CR via odin is going to trip the knox flag which is what the OP doesnt want to do. I used the method you posted (philz is nice) and it tripped the warranty flag for me. I personally didnt care about the warranty but just an FYI for the OP.

My only reason -and I stress ONLY- for wanting to keep Knox intact is that I'm a network admin looking for a better job. That chance that they have a BYOD policy and they, by chance, use Knox for security, is all I want to keep my options open for.
Now I know that's a lot of ducks that need to be lined up, but I'd rather be safe than sorry you know? Also, I could just be wanting too much. It's the whole eat the cake and have it too scenario.

Plus, I look at the bright side. This just happened (OTA 4.3 update) so I figure I give it some time and more knowledgeable people end up figuring a legit way around Knox.

Flashing a CR via odin is going to trip the knox flag which is what the OP doesnt want to do. I used the method you posted (philz is nice) and it tripped the warranty flag for me. I personally didnt care about the warranty but just an FYI for the OP.

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My bad for not reading the entire thread carefully, or else I would have had at least a small clue about the Kingo method, which I still need to look up, as well as the desire of the author to avoid tripping the Knox flag. I honestly didn't know that there was even a possibility of a root method which would trick Knox. Based on the subsequent posts in this thread as well, it looks like the author shouldn't take a chance based on the possible need to be able to BYOD, which is at the heart of what Knox was designed for in the first place. Because of that fact, I would just say wait on rooting until that better job happens (fingers crossed!) and then root if the Knox thing becomes a non-issue at that point, as in the employer is not using it to verify the security of a BYOD.

Ok, I read through it, but it still seems to me that it will trip the Knox flag. Am I wrong? Or can I avoid knox in android by JUST flashing the rom and not Philz? Sorry, just trying to figure it out.

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No way to flash a custom ROM from stock recovery, so tripping the Knox flag will happen in any given scenario here based on my methods and knowledge. Sorry I didn't thoroughly read the OP, which would have made me aware of your specific circumstance. I think probably just wait, I agree on the better safe than sorry approach here, and see if that better job (here's hoping!) uses Knox or not to verify security as part of their BYOD policy. Love your avatar by the way.

That's what I figured. Thanks for the replies! I appreciate the honesty and detail you guys provide.

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I am pretty sure this has been cleared up, but just so you are 100% aware, as of today there is no method that I know of to root your phone and not trip the Knox boot loader, thus voiding your warranty, if you did the OTA update. Sorry .

Thanks! I'm gonna start hanging out here in the Boost section more often since we are essentially siblings as far as the device is concerned.

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Yeah, I am finding that utilizing both the VM and the Boost forums has expanded my knowledge and has introduced some very cool people-wetbiker7, mydian, smith058, Capn069, Rally517, and my apologies to anyone I can't remember off the top of my head! I am loving the cooperation between the two forums, other phones and other forums act like it is some kind of exclusive club.

Yeah, I am finding that utilizing both the VM and the Boost forums has expanded my knowledge and has introduced some very cool people-wetbiker7, mydian, smith058, Capn069, Rally517, and my apologies to anyone I can't remember off the top of my head! I am loving the cooperation between the two forums, other phones and other forums act like it is some kind of exclusive club.

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Yes I've discovered some good finds over here like the working mods thread. That's nice!

Yeah, I am finding that utilizing both the VM and the Boost forums has expanded my knowledge and has introduced some very cool people-wetbiker7, mydian, smith058, Capn069, Rally517, and my apologies to anyone I can't remember off the top of my head! I am loving the cooperation between the two forums, other phones and other forums act like it is some kind of exclusive club.

It's good to be able to help however I can. I have just received so much overwhelming support and help since I started playing around with these phones that I just try whenever and however I can to return the favor. Glad to be here, thanks for the warm welcome. And struckn, you know I'm only kidding, I am the noob over here after all, LOL

Yeah, I'm aware you're just kidding buddy! Doesn't change the sincerity of my gratitude for your contributions. As you know, I'm here to help in whatever capacity I can for you, ditto that for the rest of the crew as well.